Well, hello, my friends, and welcome to the Live Inspired podcast Monday and Morning

Moments with John O'Leary.

As you know, by now, we record these so that you and I can begin our days and our weeks in awe and on fire with the burst of inspiration to help us do that as my old buddy, Dennis Lehane, who wrote that sympathy is easy because it comes from a position of power.

Empathy is getting down on your knees and looking someone else in the eyes and realizing that you could be them and that all that separates you is luck.

So let's talk about a little bit of that luck today.

While on my knees next to my fallen dad several years ago, I realized the power of that quote.

My father has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost three decades.

Over this time, he's lost the ability to walk, to drive, and to earn.

It's difficult for my dad to speak, and lately it's becoming more difficult for dad to swallow.

And yet today, dad seated in his trusty wheelchair,

is the perfect embodiment of the joy we all wish that we possessed.

He engages with those around him.

He smiles and he laughs easily.

He's grateful for all that he has and he's content with his life.

Dad deals with constant pain and is racked with continuous challenges,

but simply refuses to be a victim to his circumstances.

But even as his son, it's easy for me to miss the totality of his difficulties.

You see, when I see my dad, he's got his khaki pants on, he's got his shirt buttoned up

and tucked in, his hair is brushed and his smile is on.

Dad makes life look easy.

But with mom away for a weekend with her daughter several years ago, I saw firsthand how hard it actually is.

Every single movement dad made was ripe with risk and a chance of pain.

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